I start with freshly washed skin then reach for my trusty Q-tips cotton swabs. They are my go-to when creating any beauty look, whether it be for a complex cat eye or a fresh summer face. Here's my simple step-by-step for a flawless look.

Dip one end of a cotton swab into your favorite eye cream and dab the cream around your eye. The cotton is so gentle that it reduces the excess pulling and tugging on the delicate skin around your eyes that can occur when using your fingers.

On the back of your hand, mix a small amount of tinted moisturizer with a lightweight serum and highlighter. Blend the three with a cotton swab until they are completely mixed together.

Apply the mixture to your face using a cotton swab and make sure to blend upward and out.

Once your base is complete, take a new cotton swab and apply a touch of highlighter to the bridge of your nose, corners of your eyes and cupid's bow (along the upper lip). This will catch the light for a dewy fresh-faced glow.

If I want to step up my game for a night out in Le Marais or dinner at the Costes in the First Arrondissement I'll opt for a statement red lip. The French are fuss-free when it comes to beauty, but they love a bold lip moment. Forgoing eye makeup allows a red lip to take center stage. Before I step out I make sure to touch up the corners of my mouth with a Q-tips Precision Tip to ensure everything is perfectly in place.

Disclosure: This post is part of a collaboration with Q-tips and SheKnows.